Our oral stories and history tell us that our people have always been very courageous and brave. We would defend what was ours. We always used the wisdom that was taught to us by our leaders and elders.
When the United States of American became a nation on its own, it did not recognize the first people of this land as citizens. It wasn't until 1925 that the United States government determined that the first people be recognized as citizens. Many first people went to fight in the First World War and many died, not recognized as citizens of their nation. It was not until the First World War was over that our people were recognized as citizens.
During the Second World War the native languages of the United States were used to win the war. No one in the foreign lands knew our languages or our customs. Our languages were put into a code and only the speakers could understand the code. We did not have an alphabet for our languages, so nothing was ever written; only remembered. Our languages were very important to the United States government at that time. I was at a conference one time and we brought this topic up. Should we write our languages, so every one can read or should we not? Maybe our language is more important unwritten to the government. Our languages are very important in every aspect, not just to the government to win wars. Our languages have humor, compassion, romance, spirituality and so much more.
I also found out that many Anishinaabe people fought in the United States Civil War, from Leelanau County and surrounding counties in this part of Michigan, led by Captain Edwin V. Andres, Lt William J Driggs and Lt. Garrett A Gravaraet. This company was known as “Company K”. There is a monument on the capital building lawn in Lansing, Michigan to honor these veterans. It is called “First Michigan Sharpshooters”. I have heard some remarkable stories of these men. Books have been published about this time of our history. These books include "These Men Have Seen Hard Service, The First Michigan Sharpshooters in the Civil War" by Raymond J. Herek, “Forest Haven Soldiers” by Leonard G. Overmyer III and “Between Two Fires, American Indians in the Civil War" by Laurence M. Hauptman. If you look up any information about the Civil War and Michigan history you can probably find more information.
I have taught my language for many years now and have met many veterans. I have taught many veterans, danced at many dance gatherings with them, emceed many events with them and been an arena director for them. I would like to dedicate this page to the native veterans and to tell their stories.
If you are a veteran or know of one, please send me their stories or biographies, along with photos and we will post them on this page.
Send to Kenny Pheasant - KPheasant@lrboi.com
| Jerry Koon | John Pete | Frank LeHay |
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This photo was taken June 1946 when John served in the U.S. Navy. |
Served in the U.S. Army during World War I. He was an honored soldier during the war and the Saturday Evening Post spread his fame nationally as well as local papers which printed stories about his actions. In this photo he poses with his niece Hazel Campeau. |
All photos provided by the Tribal Historic Preservation Department of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians. Stories from Anishinaabe Veterans and their Families
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